Are you an early or mid-career professional from a developing country looking to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in a prestigious European university? The Government of Ireland Fellows Programme 2026 offers a unique opportunity for professionals with leadership potential to gain a world-class education while building lasting ties with Ireland. This fellowship supports future leaders in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and strengthening their capacity to drive change in their home countries.
Below are the key details, eligibility criteria, benefits, and application steps you need to know:
Programme Overview
Host Country: Ireland
Study Location: Irish Higher Education Institutions
Study Level: Master’s Degree
Eligible Applicants: Professionals from select developing countries in Africa
Programme Duration: 10–16 months (depending on course)
Fellowship Value: Fully funded (covers tuition, travel, accommodation, living allowance)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Programme Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
Full coverage of tuition fees
Return air travel
Accommodation
Living expenses throughout the duration of the programme
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be a resident national of one of the following African countries:
Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Have 2–3 years of relevant work experience (varies by country).
Hold a bachelor’s degree (minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent second-class upper division).
Have graduated in 2013 or later.
Not already possess a master’s degree or be currently pursuing one.
Show leadership potential and a clear commitment to SDGs and to fostering positive relations with Ireland.
Application Process (3 Stages)
1. Preliminary Application
2. Detailed Application
3. Interview
Applicants who pass Stage 2 must take the Duolingo English Test. Finalists will also take the IELTS exam unless they already hold a valid IELTS certificate (from 2022 or later).
> ⚠️ Early preparation for English proficiency exams is strongly recommended—even for native speakers.
How to Apply
Visit the official Ireland Fellows Programme portal via the link below:
👉 Click Here to Apply
Carefully read the Applicant Guidance Note as criteria may vary by country.
The Ireland Fellows Programme 2026 is your chance to earn a fully funded Master’s degree while gaining global exposure, growing your leadership capacity, and returning home ready to make meaningful impact. Don’t miss out!
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Apply
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
